Share

Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art visitors can expect to see some of the best contemporary art that is on display anywhere in Brazil. Found in Flamengo Park, this excellent museum offers mostly changing exhibits that feature works from its own collection and works that are part of traveling exhibits. Unfortunately, a 1978 fire destroyed most of the works that were collected in previous decades, though there is still plenty to take in. Donations of money and art poured in to help the Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art back on its feet after the fire, and today, the permanent collection includes more than 11,000 works.

The Museu de Art Moderna, as this Rio de Janeiro cultural institution is locally known, can make a wonderful addition to the agenda when looking for things to do around town. Among the works that are part of the museum's permanent collection are paintings and sculptures from such international artists as Fernand Leger, Jean Arp, Barry Flanaghan, and Marino Marini, to name a few. The permanent collection at the Museu de Arte Moderna features a number of works by Brazilian-born artists. These artists include Bruno Giorgi, Lygia Clark, and Helio Oiticica.

Not all of the works that are part of the permanent collection at the Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art are on display at all times. The exhibits are constantly changing, so you never know what you might see on a visit. This is good news for those who have visited the museum in the past, since they can generally expect to see some new pieces. Regardless of when you choose to visit Rio's Museu de Arte Moderna, you'll be happy to know that English-language signs are in place to help you gain insight into the works that are currently on display.

When you're not checking out the art at the Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art, you can enjoy views of the city and the Guanaraba Bay. As is true of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Niteroi, the Museum of Modern Art is housed in a very modern building that features plenty of large viewing windows that allow visitors to embrace the beauty of the area's stunning landscape. You might also head to the museum's second-floor patio to enjoy the views of the garden. The renowned Brazilian landscape artist, Roberto Burle Marx, is responsible for the garden's design, which is arguably best appreciated when looking down from the patio.

Looking at various works of art from the modern age and admiring local sights such as Sugarloaf Mountain while staring out the large plate glass windows aren't the only options when it comes to keeping busy at the Museu de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro. Seeing what the bookstore has to offer is worth considering if you like to read, and you can always break for some food and drink at the onsite café. Show up on the right day, and seeing a movie might also be an option. The Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art has thousands of Brazilian film titles in its archive, not to mention scores of foreign films, and screenings of the various movies are offered from time to time.

Weekend evenings are when the special film events are most often held at the Museu de Arte Moderna. General museum hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. As is true at most of the museums in Rio de Janeiro, the rates at the Museum of Modern Art are low, so you won't have to worry about putting a significant dent in your budget when looking to get some cultural exposure while in town.